Details for Patent: 6,729,786

Title:	Liquid applicator for coloring a liquid
Abstract:	Applicators and a method of coloring a liquid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, glass ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.
Inventor(s):	Tufts; Scott A. (El Paso, TX), Flores; Jesus (El Paso, TX), Guzman; Manuel (El Paso, TX)
Assignee:	Mediflex Hospital Products, Inc. (Overland Park, KS)
Filing Date:	Mar 14, 2003
Application Number:	10/388,826
Claims:	1. A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface, the applicator comprising: at least one ampoule formed of a frangible material and adapted to contain liquid to be applied; at least one hollow body defining an internal chamber adapted to receive at least one ampoule; and at least one porous element that contains colorant, wherein the porous element positioned such that liquid flows through the porous element when at least one ampoule is fractured and colorant is transferred to the liquid to be applied. 2. The liquid applicator as recited in claim 1, wherein the porous element is a porous pad. 3. The liquid applicator as recited in claim 1, the porous element is a porous plug. 4. The liquid applicator as recited in claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for fracturing at least one ampoule. 5. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein at least one ampoule is formed of glass. 6. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein at least one ampoule is a vial-type ampoule. 7. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein at least one ampoule is an elongated glass ampoule. 8. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the hollow body is adapted to receive two ampoules. 9. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the porous element is one of a foam and felt material. 10. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the colorant changes the hue of the liquid. 11. The liquid applicator recited in claim 1, wherein the colorant adds hue to the liquid. 12. The liquid applicator of claim 1, wherein the colorant is one of a tint, dye, pigment and paint. 13. The liquid applicator of claim 12, wherein the colorant is a dye. 14. The liquid applicator of claim 13, wherein the colorant is FD&C Green #3 dye. 15. The liquid applicator of claim 1, wherein the porous element is imbibed with colorant. 16. The liquid applicator of claim 1, wherein the colorant is located on the surface of a porous element. 17. A liquid applicator for applying a desired liquid to a surface, the applicator comprising: at least one ampoule formed of a frangible material and adapted to contain liquid to be applied; at least one hollow body defining an internal chamber adapted to receive at least one ampoule; a porous plug containing colorant, such that liquid flows through the porous plug when the ampoule is fractured and colorant is transferred to the liquid to be applied; and a porous pad secured to said body and closing off an open end thereof, such that the colored liquid flows through said porous pad. 18. The liquid applicator of claim 17, wherein the method of making the porous plug comprises: mixing isopropyl alcohol, water, and dye; saturating the porous plug with the mixture; and allowing the porous plug to dry. 19. The liquid applicator of claim 18, wherein the colorant is FD&C Green #3.